DAMSO Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Melbourne

The choice to eat at Damso was a quick, impromptu decision when five of us needed a place to celebrate in a hurry.

It was a Tuesday night and we were thrilled they were open until late. With a quick call, we reserved a table for five.

We ordered the pork and beef package good for four, choosing spicy soft tofu for our soup, and a whole serving of Korean fried chicken. We were treated to an unforgettable night of great service, overflowing side-dishes, delicious meat on the grill that seemed endless for five, hungry adults, a hearty and chili-laden soup, and a large serving of fried chicken served with cabbage slaw. This was heaps better than other Korean BBQ places we'd been to.

The 3 side dishes were kimchi, mung bean, and pickled vegetables, refilled when asked. They were spicy, savoury, and sweet contrasts to the marinated meat, which was delicious as pieces came hot off the grill. The fried chicken arrived, heaped generously with a side of slaw, and it filled us up as we supplemented everything with rice.

The meal was supremely delicious for the price, the experience seamless as the server sized out our portions very well. It was a night to remember as the server kept our glasses full and accommodated our every need. She even went so far as to help grill our food before we took over.

One of the cooks eventually came out to say hello and offer some sweets. This was exceptional service in the heart of Elsternwick.

In all, it was an intimate, incredibly enjoyable experience that all five of us raved about as we walked out, our bellies full. Thank you, Damso BBQ for a great, celebratory dinner we won't...

I’ve been to several Korean BBQ restaurants before and never had a bad experience until I visited DAMSO last weekend, and I truly regret it.

The biggest reason for my one star review is that I got food poisoning after eating here. I hadn’t eaten anything before or after this meal, so it was clearly from their food. I only had fried meat, rice, and kimchi, and I suspect the kimchi was improperly prepared. I left the restaurant feeling full and went home to rest, but a few hours later, I started feeling extremely unwell. At first, I thought I had overeaten, but the discomfort only got worse, and I ended up vomiting throughout the night. It took me a full day to recover.

Beyond that, the restaurant itself is underwhelming. Unlike buffet-style Korean BBQ places, they have a fixed menu, but their selection is extremely limited compared to competitors. I waited 30 minutes just for them to start bringing food. The grill was way too small, and while the meat was decent, the pork belly was so thin it was almost pointless.

The atmosphere was also disappointing. The interior felt uninviting, and after an hour, it became uncomfortably smoky and stuffy. Expect to leave with your clothes reeking of smoke and needing a full wash. The service was also frustrating, the staff checked our table too frequently, constantly trying to clear anything empty, which felt intrusive rather than helpful.

Overall, I’m very disappointed and wouldn’t recommend this place. There are far better options like SSAM Korean BBQ in the CBD...

The cuts of meat are terrible.

Mostly store bought from Coles I’d guess. Not from a korean butcher.

It’s also usually served half frozen which is fine for the small pieces but a thick steak should be fresh.

Below are images of the meat from the select menu (not the all you can eat menu).

Rice was soggy, like rice pudding.

The kimichi tasted like off cucumber.

The soy bean stew was just water and vegetables.

The actual BBQ only cooks in the middle of the grill so the sides dont cook at all.

The extractor fans DONT work, so you have to breath in all the smoke.

This is also the first time I’ve given up on fried chicken. And look, I’m only being this critical because it feels like I was scammed.

My fiance is korean and I’ve been to Korea many times, hell I’ve been to other korean restaurants in Melbourne and I know what it should look and taste like.

I could cook better than this honestly, it was bland and dry and if there was any good taste at all, it’s only because meat naturally tastes good, not because this is good.

Where is...